The Lambert Brothers printing press building in Glover’s Court, Preston has been converted into 2,908 sq ft of office space following a £346,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Local architect Frank Whittle Partnership designed the scheme at the 1899-built site, with Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council also supporting a £650,000 regeneration scheme by Glovers Court Preston, a development vehicle headed by former telecoms entrepreneur Frank Bretherton.

The lottery contribution comes from the HLF’s Townscape Heritage grant programme. The project is one of many planned as part of the body’s wider funding to Preston City Council to protect and bring into use historic buildings. Glover’s Court connects to Fishergate, the main artery through Preston city centre.

Paul Crowther, Townscape Heritage Initiative project manager for Preston City Council, said: “This project has been a classic example of how local developers and architects can work successfully with the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund to identify, design and deliver quality restoration projects that rediscovers our past and adds to the historic fabric of our city.”

Thornton Cleveleys-based builder Clement Dickens & Son was the contractor for the scheme. Part of the existing rear section of the building was demolished and a new structure erected with the same footprint. The front of the building remains largely unchanged, while FWP has remodelled the interior to create open-plan spaces across the building’s three storeys.

Bretherton said: “We are proud to play our part in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre. HLF funding and the encouragement of the council has enabled us to speculatively redevelop the building and it has been good, as a local company, to see everyone showing confidence in Preston’s economy and future.”

Other projects the developer has been involved in include the Room apartments in Lawson Street, to the north of the city centre, delivered through the Downtown Living brand.